Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Early Stages in the Development of a Group 0
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Stage 1: The Formation Stage Pre-group issues: Announcing a group and recruiting members Rationale for screening group members- use assessment Practical matters to consider in forming a group: Open versus closes Voluntary versus involuntary Homogenous versus heterogeneous Meeting place- time Group size Length and frequency 1 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (1)
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Pregroup issues: Use of a pre group meeting - explore members perceptions, expectations fear - Important screening tool Multicultural considerations in preparing members - Share purpose of the group, discuss expected behaviors Guidelines for orienting members to a group - What members get our corresponds to what they put in - Ask members to think of an issue they are willing to explore 2 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (2)
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Stage 2: Initial or Orientation Stage A time for orientation and exploration Characteristics of a group at the initial stage 1. Primary tasks of stage: inclusion and identity 2. Group members superficially nice 3. Low risk taking 4. Trust versus mistrust – 5. Periods of silence and awkwardness 3 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (3)
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Reviews ethics, helps establish group norms and rules Models empathy and presence Group leader models and teaches interpersonal skills Helps establish the foundation of trust group Helps members clarify goals Assist members share what they are feeling Review group leader role 4
Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc. Stage 3: Transition Stage A time for dealing with resistance - Don’t ignore conflict Different forms of resistance - Pathological versus protective resistance Dealing with difficult group member? - Stick to the facts Group leader’s role at the transition stage - Help members understand resistance - Encourage members to discuss anxiety 5 Theory and Practice of Group Counseling—Chapter 4 (4)